JOHANNESBURG - Leicester Tigers have announced that Rugby World Cup winner JP Pietersen will join the club ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Pietersen was part of the triumphant South Africa squad in the 2007 World Cup and also played in the 2011 tournament in New Zealand and in 2015 in England.

He has scored 22 tries in 66 Test caps since making his international debut in 2006.

The 29-year-old is currently playing club rugby in Japan with Panasonic Wild Knights, and was South Africa Players' Player of the Year in 2012.

He will arrive in Leicester in time for their summer.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said, "We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class. He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long time but he still has a lot to offer and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe."

Pietersen says he is looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester.

"I hope to contribute to the team on and off the field in any way I can. I'm looking forward to joining the Tigers after my final Super Rugby season with the Sharks."